£45,000 compensation for Mason after ladder fall broke both feet

16 August 2007

Workplace Accident

A council worker who broke both his feetafter falling from an unsecured ladder has woncompensationfrom Pembrokeshire County Council. With the assistance of his union, UNISON, andThompsons Solicitors in Cardiff, Mr Michael Morgan, 61, of Dyfed, secured damages of £45,000 following the injury which left him unable to work.

Mr Morgan was employed as a mason with Pembrokeshire County Council. On the 21st February 2003, he was installing windows in a council property when one side of the ladder he was standing on sank into the ground causing him tofall from a height of 12 feet.

Mr Morgan sufferedserious injuriesto the heel bones in both his feet. As well as being in plaster for 10 weeks, Mr Morgan had to use a wheelchair for six months, then crutches and eventually a stick. He was in a lot of pain and even now, four years after the accident, his feet are painful all the time, especially in cold weather.

Working at Heights

RegionalUNISONsecretary, Paul O’Shea, said: “Working at heights can be extremely dangerous and employers must make adequate provision for staff working in such circumstances. Mr Morgan’s injuries meant that he had to be medically retired from work. This accident would not have occurred if he had been provided with the right equipment or assistance.”

Petra Williams, Mr Morgan’s representative at Thompsons Solicitors in Cardiff, said: "Mr Morgan was experienced at his job but had to put the ladder up himself. None of his colleagues were available to hold the ladder whilst he was on it and no equipment was available to him to secure the ladder to the house he was working on."

Commenting, Mr Morgan said: “As well as suffering pain and the loss of my employment, the accident has caused me all sorts of difficulties. What used to be everyday tasks like driving the car or walking the dog have become very difficult. I’m gradually regaining the ability to do certain things. I’m grateful to theunionand to Thompsons because the compensation goes some way towards helping me out on the financial side.”